(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)

Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes

Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

1. Used in front of a name or title as a gesture of real or ironic respect to someone who is mistaken about something and is about to be corrected: "When used in front of a person's name, it is used as an apology when contradicting him or her; such as. 'Pace, Dr. Rogers, but I must point out the errors that you made regarding the political candidate.' "
2. By the leave of; with all deference to, in peace; used when expressing polite disagreement: "Senator Shawn said in response to another senator's statement, 'I must say, pace the distinguished senator, that his conclusions are entirely erroneous.' "

pallida mors

Pale Death.

Part of the quotation: Pallida mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas regumque turres or "Pale Death, with impartial step, knocks at the cottages of the poor and the palaces of kings." -Horace

Palmam qui meruit ferat.

Let him who has deserved it bear the palm.

Motto of Royal Naval School, U.K.

panem et circenses

Bread and circuses.

The cry of the Roman mob for food and entertainment. -Juvenal.

Food and amusements were said to be the sole interests of the common Romans and the rulers of Rome used this as a means of keeping the masses "satisfied" instead of coming up with real solutions to their economic problems.

1. The male head of a household: The ancient law required that only the paterfamilias could sign the deed to the property.
2. In Roman Law, the head of a household having the authority belonging to that position: After he reached the legal age of the time, the youth was able to claim the authority of paterfamilias because he was old enough to be head of his family since his father had recently died.
3. Etymology: from Latin, literally, "master of a house, head of a family"; from pater, "father" + familias, "family".

Patienter et constanter.

Patiently and steadfastly.

Patientia et perseverantia.

With patience and perseverance.

Patria est, ubicumque est bene.

Translation: "Where ever we are content, that is our country."

A motto by Marcus Pacuvilus (c. 220 - c. 130 B.C.) who wrote fourteen plays and a satire. Only fragments of the plays survive.